WHY DOTH ADONIJAH REIGN Text: 1Kings 1:1-36

INTRODUCTION

Let’s look at verse13;

Go and get thee in unto King David, and say unto him, Didst, not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon, thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?

 

THE PERSONALITY OF ADONIJAH

Adonijah is the fourth son of David. His mother was Haggith. He was “a very handsome man” (1 Kings 1:6), but he was also badly behaved. The Scripture pointed out that the reason for Adonijah’s misbehavior was that King David had never disciplined him: “His father had never rebuked him by asking, ‘Why do you behave as you do?’” (verse 6). When David was old and on his sick bed, Adonijah rose to take over the throne of his father.

Adonijah is a usurper. He has the spirit that rides over men’s destinies. Adonijah in the context of our study refers to an enemy that delays the fulfillment of God’s prophecies over people’s life. And if care is not taken, that prophecy will be permanently aborted.

Solomon was destined to reign after his father but the throne was hijacked by an enemy called Adonijah. Many of us are like Solomon that the enemy has placed resistance over the things that rightly belong to us. Many children of God are facing satanic-instigated denials and delays. So many from the realms of the spirit have been dethroned from the throne prepared for them. There are some specific facts you need to know about this enemy called Adonijah’s spirit to be able to identify it in or around for proper dealing. I pray for you, to receive the power to properly deal with that Adonijah reigning in your life.

 

FACTS ABOUT ADONIJAH

1. It is the spirit that fights the will of God in a man’s life. When not dealt with it can stop the will of God from finding expression in a man’s life. It was the will of David that Solomon becomes the king but Adonijah rose to fight that will.
2. It is a spirit that hijacks a man’s throne. Throne speaks of power and authority. So Adonijah's spirit when allowed in your life will fight your power and authority as a child of God
3. It is a spirit that delights in reigning over a man, people, or family by all means thereby controlling and influencing their life and actions
4. It takes advantage of a man’s weakness to strike. Adonijah took over the throne when King David was already old and weak.

1 Kings 1:1,5

“Now King David was old and stricken in years, and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.”

5. It is a prideful spirit. When allowed in your life, makes you a proud person. The Bible says “…he exalted himself… That is pride. The Bible says when a man exalts himself, God will humble him. But when you humble yourself, God will exalt you.
6. It keeps a man away from discipline. Any man who hates discipline can’t be disciplined. When one is not disciplined, he will be wild. David had never disciplined Adonijah so he became wild.

1 Kings 1:6 (TLB);

his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time—not so much as by a single scolding!

As a parent when you refuse to discipline your children the way David did to Adonija, you may end up breeding an Adonija in your home and that will be disastrous.

7. It is a wicked household enemy. Adonija was the elder brother to Solomon, yet he took his throne. So Adonija's spirit is the spirit that attacks a man from his household. It attacks one through his very own people
8. It makes one’s friend or associate become his enemy. Joab was the captain of David’s host. Adonija confused him, took him, and used him to attack David’s will for Solomon. Don’t be surprised when your friends suddenly start attacking you, Adonija spirit is at work. Deal with it from a spiritual angle.

1Kings 1:7; And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest:

9. He has an evil priest’s backup. Abiathar was his priest. So to deal with this spirit you must also have the backup of our high priest in the person of Jesus Christ.
10. It is a spirit that uses sacrifices to sponsor his attacks.

1Kings 1:9; And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants:

 

Scriptural Ways on how to Enforce Victory over the spirit of Adonijah

 

1. Get to the king and report the matter. When Solomon’s throne was hijacked by Adonijah the prophet Nathan called his mother and advised her on how to deal with Adonijah and take back what belonged to her son. She was told according to 1 Kings 1:13, “Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him…”

You are expected to open up to the king. Speak to God. He is the king of kings.

2. Know the will of God for your life and Present God’s Word concerning your life back to Him. His word can’t fail. Besheba mother of Solomon reminded the king of what he said, 1 Kings 1:13. So remind God of what He has said and demand its enforcement.
3. Prayerfully locate your “Nathan” that will back you up and add more weight to your prayers. Nathan said to Beersheba as you speak to the king I will come in also to confirm your words, 1 Kings 1:14.
4. Capitally judge that wicked spirit when you begin to see any of the above 10, manifesting in or around your life.
5. Back your prayers up with sacrifice as you’re led. Adonija was a man of sacrifice so you must also use your sacrifice to counter his sacrifice on his wicked altar.

 

PRAYER BULLETS

1. O Lord I thank you for opening my eyes to the wickedness of the devil concerning my destiny.
2. My Lord visit the enemy of my throne with your anger and cause him not to carry out his plans over my life
3. By your slaying sword slay the Adonijah that has reason to hijack my rights
4. By the fire of God, I secure all that the Lord has given to me
5. In the name of Jesus, I declare that the will of God over my life must come to pass
6. I declare in the name of Jesus the fall of any personality, force, or altar backing my enemy
7. O Lord overturn the plans of the wicked concerning my life and cause him to reap that he has sown for me.

I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY: CHORUS

 Verse 1

I’m pressing on the upward way

New heights I’m gaining everyday

Still praying as I onward bound

Lord plant my feet on higher ground.

Lord lift me up and let me stand

By faith on heaven’s table land

Where love and joy and light abound

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Verse 2

My heart has no desire to stay

Where doubt arise and fears dismay

Though some may dwell where these abound

My constant aim is higher ground.

Verse 3

Beyond the mist I fain would rise

To rest beneath unclouded skies

Above earth’s turmoil peace is found

By those who dwell on higher ground.

Verse 4

I long to scale the utmost height

Though rough the way, and hard the fight,

My song while climbing shall resound,

Lord lead me on higher ground.

Verse 5

Lord lead me up the mountain side

I dare not climb without my guide

Ans, heaven gained, I’ll gaze around

With grateful heart from higher ground.

THE HEAD

 

Head, Headship

The head is the topmost part of the body, where symbols of power, authority, and honor are displayed. Kings and priests were anointed on their heads, and this is where their crowns were placed ( 1 Sam 10:1; 2 Sam 1:10; 2 Kings 9:3; Psalm 21:3 ).

Adam was crowned with glory and honor ( Psalm 8:5 ). Prudent men wear knowledge there ( Prov 14:18 ). Gray hair is a symbol of glory ( Prov 16:31 ) that younger people must respect ( Lev 19:32 ). Lifting of the head was symbolic of promotion ( Gen 40:13; Psalm 3:3 ). Saul was head and shoulders above everyone else ( 1 Sam 9:2 ).

The head is a site where beauty is displayed ( Sol 5:11; 7:5 ). It is a place where much time and effort is spent on techniques of beautification ( 2 Kings 9:30; Isa 3:24; Jer 4:30; Ezek 23:40 ). It is where the power of one's personality shines forth.

It is a center of communication. Blushing, tears, paleness, and flushing may show fear, anger, or mourning. Tossing, shaking, or wagging of the head may convey wonder, mockery, or rejection ( Isa 37:22 ). The eyes, mouth, and facial features may show favor, boldness, sadness, impudence, or scorn ( Gen 4:6; Neh 2:2; Prov 7:13; Isa 3:16 ).

From the king's head comes his words, which may have power of life or death ( Eccl 8:4 ). Hence in the Septuagint Greek Old Testament translation, kephale [kefalhv] may be used for an older, prominent person, a chieftain, or a king.

Covering the Head as a Social Custom. While Greek women sometimes covered their heads, there was no social compulsion for them to wear a veil in public. Greek statues show bare-headed Greek women displaying extravagant hairstyles. Jews regarded this as typical of Gentiles.

Required head coverings for women are an Eastern custom. A Middle Assyrian law required that all women except prostitutes and slaves be veiled. Jewish communities of the New Testament period were strict about this. The Mishnah (a.d. 250) held that failure to comply was grounds for divorce (Ketubin 7:6).

A moral, unmarried woman even wore a veil in front of her parents. Removal of the veil was a sign of disgrace (3 Macc 4:6). Philo of Alexandria indicated that this regularly worn covering was a symbol of modesty (Special Laws 3.56; Josephus Ant. 3.270). Women charged with adultery had this veil removed.

Jewish men often refused to cover their heads because it represented subjection to foreigners. Men covered their heads in times of despair, mourning, and defeat ( 2 Sam 15:30; Est 6:12; Jer 14:3 ).

"Paul of Tarsus" ( Acts 9:11 ) was accustomed to seeing women veiled in public. Dion Chrysostom, an orator (a.d. 110), commended ladies there because they never appeared unveiled in public.

William Ramsey saw the woman's head covering as her power. It authorized her to go anywhere in public with respect and protection. Women who failed to wear veils would be objects of contempt and abuse. This might explain why Paul says "A woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head" ( 1 Cor 11:10 ). Interestingly Aramaic words for "authority" and "veil" are similar.

First Corinthians 11:2-16. Corinth was a port city and a commercial crossroad. Many customs and styles were present. The church there grew out of the synagogue ( Acts 18:4 Acts 18:7 Acts 18:8 ). New Testament churches were often located in houses of wealthy converts. Rich Greek women would appear uncovered with elaborate hairstyles.

Poorer Jewish women might feel such customs were done to attract men. This would eventually become a source of disunity. It is not surprising Paul introduces this passage with an exhortation not to offend Jews or Greeks. He offers himself as an example of one who tried to please everybody for the sake of their salvation ( 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 ). He closes the passage by stating the churches of God repudiate practices that might cause contention (11:16).

In 11:2 Paul praises the Corinthians for always following his directions. He had previously taught the use of veils by women there. As the church grew many wanted to know the reason for this custom.

Paul begins by presenting a hierarchy of headship: God, Christ, man, and woman. Paul regularly uses the idea of headship in a context of submission to authority ( Eph 5:21-25; Col 1:18; Colossians 2:10 Colossians 2:19 ). A man may pray to God in public but not dressed so that he shows allegiance to another, namely, with head covered. A woman may pray and prophesy in public if her dress shows submission to her husband's authority ( 1 Cor 11:5-6 ).

If people do not treat each other with respect, their prayers may be hindered ( 1 Peter 3:7 ). If a woman's outward appearance reflects gentleness and submission to her husband, it may win him to Christ ( 1 Peter 3:1-6 ). The appearance of women who take part in the service should show respect for required social customs. The use of head coverings enhanced the acceptance of a woman's contribution to the service.

Paul based his view about the woman's place in the authority continuum on Genesis 2:18-24. Here the woman is formed from the man's side in response to a need for companionship and help. She is not formed from dust but was taken from Adam. As a suitable helper, she makes a man complete.

Woman reflects the glory of God in man so that both bear the image of God ( Gen 1:26-27 ). As a suitable complement to the man, a noble wife is his crown ( Prov 12:4 ). Genesis Rabbah, an ancient Jewish commentary, states her husband is adorned by her. Her pleasures, beauties, and charms are for her husband alone ( Prov 5:17 ). She is covered as a sign that she is accessible to none but him.

Headship of Husbands. Headship does not mean that man is an unlimited monarch. He is to cherish and nurture his wife as his own body ( Eph 5:28 ). He may not deprive her of what she needs for her happiness and well-being ( 1 Cor 7:3 ). He must be understanding, considerate, and respectful of her as a joint heir of life ( 1 Peter 3:7 ). His love for her is more than physical. It must be the same kind of sacrificial love Christ has for the church.

Sarah is presented as an example of a submissive wife ( 1 Peter 3:5-6 ). She assented to his decisions even when he was wrong ( Gen 12:11-13 ). Yet Abraham also listened to her ( Gen 16:2 ). In Genesis 21:12 God tells Abraham to "listen to whatever Sarah tells you" (about Ishmael). Sarah's orders about Ishmael were used by Paul as binding Scripture in his teaching about law and grace ( Gal 4:30 ). Even though Sarah is obedient, her thoughts and feelings may not be disregarded and trampled upon. There is a place for mutual submission from one to another ( Eph 5:21 ).

Christ as Head of His Church. The church must submit to Christ. We are not our own but are bought with a price ( 1 Cor3:23; 6:19-20; Eph 5:23-33 ). He has all authority in heaven and earth ( Matt 28:18 ). He is the head of all principality and power ( Col 2:10 ). People who wander from Christ are like those who have lost their heads ( Col 2:18-19 ). Without the head no nourishment or growth is possible ( Eph 4:15; Col 2:19 ). Paul was not dealing with philosophical speculation in his headship analogies. Even the simplest person knew that food, water, and air were taken in by the head. He would know that the eyes and ears gave guidance to the whole body

Israeli forces, tanks amass at border with Gaza

A steady flow of buses and passenger cars filled with military personnel are moving towards Israel’s border with Gaza.

Israeli Military vehicles swerve around a roundabout near the border with Gaza [Al Jazeera]

By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 16 Oct 202316 Oct 2023

https://idsamuelministries.blogspot.com/2023/10/israelipalestine-14-steps-to-world-war-2.html

Southern Israel – At a desolate, shopping complex near the coastal city of Ashkelon, a solitary figure ambles through an empty car park.

It is eerie. All the shops are shuttered. Escalators and children’s rides are switched off. Swarms of flies feed off overflowing rubbish bins. Old food and plastic bags lie scattered across the tarmac.

The speaker system remains on and plays an endless loop of crackling elevator music – the gentle sound interrupted by the roar of aircraft overhead and several heavy thuds in the distance.

KEEP READING

list of 3 items

list 1 of 3

I have to show the world what Israel’s doing in Gaza | Close-Up

list 2 of 3

Israel’s evacuation order is nothing but cover for ethnic cleansing

list 3 of 3

Ten films to watch about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict

end of list

Several kilometers away lies the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under intense Israeli bombardment for more than a week.

The impoverished enclave currently has no electricity. Fuel and water supplies are all but out. The medical system is on the brink of collapse.

Meanwhile, Israel has ordered 1.1 million people to leave the north of Gaza while it continues its air campaign.

Palestinians carrying children and meager belongings flee following Israeli bombardments on the southern part of Gaza City, Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, on October 16, 2023 [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu]

‘We don’t know the future’

Omel, a stout 58-year-old man with a well-groomed grey beard, was born in the area and is one of the few remaining civilians to have stayed.

He had come to find some food for his 87-year-old father and brothers but all the shops closed so he walked back to his car.

He speaks cautiously, in a somber tone, saying this current war “feels different” for locals due to the deaths and kidnapping of civilians. He has friends who have died.

https://idsamuelministries.blogspot.com/2023/10/israelipalestine-14-steps-to-world-war-2.html

It is estimated that 1,400 Israelis were killed in the attack by Hamas’s armed wing, including 286 soldiers. At least 2,750 Palestinians, a quarter of them children, have been killed in Israeli air raids on Gaza.

Omel’s grandfather had come from the Netherlands to a kibbutz before his birth, and now he says his family refuses to leave.

He says the attack by Palestinian fighters took locals in the area by complete surprise, leaving them still in a state of shock.

“We don’t know the future,” he says, hunching his shoulders, adding, “but, we know that the Israeli government and the army are very strong”.

Israeli military build-up by the border with Gaza

Three buses career into the car park alongside about a dozen military vehicles.

Young Israeli men dressed in military khakis disembark. The atmosphere is raucous, with plenty of back-slapping and sporadic chants. Many use the opportunity to smoke, others to take a toilet break in the unkempt shrubbery.

They appear to be some of the 360,000 reservists that Israel has called up after the surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7.

Military vehicles and buses drove into the car park [Al Jazeera]

In the military vehicles, there appear to be more seasoned soldiers wearing stern expressions and kitted out in full combat gear; one of them removes himself from the crowd and begins a standing prayer.

After a 30-minute break, they depart and head onto the road towards the border with Gaza.

Some look straight ahead, others flick through their phones. One group throws an Israeli flag over the side of the vehicle as they swerve around the roundabout.

A few minutes later, rockets from the enclave fly through the air. Israeli air defences kick into action. Bright streaksdefensest snake their way across the blue sky. Heavy explosions ring out overhead.

The closer to the Gaza border you get, the more Israeli flags you see draped along the highway.

Speeding passenger cars filled with armed Israeli soldiers weave their way around a stream of gargantuan transport vehicles carrying tanks.

On one side of the highway, more than 100 tanks and military vehicles line up in rows facing the Gaza Strip.

The highway is chequered with makeshift checkpoints. Cantekerous soldiers order civilians to turn back and get away from the border.

On the ground, everything points to a looming ground invasion by Israeli forces.

Israeli Army positions outside Gaza [Al Jazeera]

“We started the offensive from the air. Later on, we will also come from the ground,” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had told Israeli troops last week.

As night falls, near the now-evacuated town of Sderot where, a week ago, Israeli troops clashed with Hamas fighters, local shops, including a small blue-lit pizzeria and a bric-a-brac hookah store, are doing a roaring trade as an endless trail of soldiers loads up on supplies.

A long row of idle tanks stand silent in a gated industrial complex.

The street lights are switched off along the country roads that straddle the border with the Gaza Strip; the signposts are covered up. GPS systems often stop working.

It has been only a week since Israeli forces fought Palestinian fighters in the area, and preparations have been made to avoid another incursion.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA